C2 noun Formal

compute

/kəmˈpjuːt/

In technical and academic contexts, 'compute' functions as a noun referring to the processing power or computational resources required to perform calculations. It is frequently used in cloud computing and artificial intelligence to quantify the amount of logic and processing capacity allocated to a specific task.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant compute.

I need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant processing power.

2

The strategic allocation of compute resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.

The strategic allocation of computational resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.

3

This latest AI model is a massive compute hog compared to the previous version.

This latest AI model uses a huge amount of processing power compared to the previous version.

Word Family

Noun
computation
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'compute' as the 'fuel' or 'electricity' for your digital tasks—it's the raw energy of calculation.

Quick Quiz

Training large language models requires an enormous amount of _______, often costing millions of dollars in server fees.

Correct!

The correct answer is: compute

Examples

1

I need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant compute.

everyday

I need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant processing power.

2

The strategic allocation of compute resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.

formal

The strategic allocation of computational resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.

3

This latest AI model is a massive compute hog compared to the previous version.

informal

This latest AI model uses a huge amount of processing power compared to the previous version.

4

The paper estimates the total compute expended during the neural network training phase was equivalent to several years of CPU time.

academic

The paper estimates the total computational capacity used during the neural network training phase was equivalent to several years of CPU time.

5

By moving to a serverless architecture, the company only pays for the compute it actually consumes.

business

By moving to a serverless architecture, the company only pays for the processing power it actually consumes.

Word Family

Noun
computation
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computer

Common Collocations

cloud compute processing power provided via cloud services
compute-intensive requiring a high amount of processing power
allocate compute to assign processing resources to a task
edge compute processing power located at the edge of a network
compute capacity the total amount of processing power available

Common Phrases

heavy on compute

demanding a lot of processing resources

serverless compute

a model where the provider manages the machine resources

distributed compute

processing spread across multiple machines

Often Confused With

compute vs computation

'Computation' refers to the mathematical process or act of calculating, while 'compute' as a noun usually refers to the physical or virtual resource/power used.

compute vs computer

'Computer' is the physical device, whereas 'compute' is the abstract resource of processing power it provides.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'compute' as a noun primarily in tech-heavy environments like software engineering, AI research, or IT procurement. It functions as an uncountable noun in these contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'compute' when they mean the countable noun 'calculation' or the physical device 'computer.' Avoid saying 'I bought a new compute' when you mean a machine.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'compute' as the 'fuel' or 'electricity' for your digital tasks—it's the raw energy of calculation.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'computare', meaning 'to count together' or 'to sum up'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an uncountable noun in technical registers Commonly used as an attributive noun (e.g., compute node, compute resources) Singular in form even when referring to massive amounts of power
🌍

Cultural Context

In the Silicon Valley 'tech-speak' culture, turning verbs into nouns (nominalization) is a common way to describe resources as commodities.

Quick Quiz

Training large language models requires an enormous amount of _______, often costing millions of dollars in server fees.

Correct!

The correct answer is: compute

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climate

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species

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business

B2

Used as an attributive adjective to describe things related to professional commerce, trade, or work activities. It distinguishes professional matters from personal, social, or recreational ones.

contract

C1

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bonus

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